Biography

Harry Meade is the world number one in eventing, thanks to an extraordinary run of brilliant cross-country performances at five-star level. Last year, he was fourth and sixth at Badminton on Cavalier Crystal and Superstition, third and fourth at Kentucky on Et Hop Du Matz and Grafennacht and third, fourth and ninth at Burghley on Cavalier Crystal, Annaghmore Valoner and Et Hop Du Matz. 

This year he has entered five horses (some are double entries) and will ride three.

The German-bred Superstition is a ride he took on from New Zealander Lucy Jackson in 2019. Grafennacht was previously ridden to five-star level by William Fox-Pitt, including 13th at Badminton in 2024 and second at Elkton/Maryland in 2023. Et Hop Du Matz was sourced from France as a seven-year-old, having been competed by Mathieu Chombart. 

The Irish Sport Horse Cavalier Crystal has been produced through the grades by Harry since a five-year-old; they were also third at Burghley in 2024. Annaghmore Valoner, also Irish-bred, was previously ridden by Australian Olympian Sam Griffiths until he retired from top-level eventing to coach the New Zealand team; Harry took over the ride in 2023, winning Bramham CCI4*-L and finishing fourth at Burghley in 2024.  

Harry first rode at Badminton, his local event, in 2006, finishing 21st and winning the best under-25 prize on Midnight Dazzler, and in 2009 became the youngest rider to receive an Armada Dish (for five completions). He has completed 15 times in total, his highest placing coming in 2014, just months after shattering both elbows in a fall, when he finished third on Wild Lone. They went on to represent Britain in the 2014 World Equestrian Games, winning team silver, but the horse tragically died at the end of the cross-country.

Harry is the son of the legendary horseman and 1972 Olympic gold medallist Richard Meade, who won Badminton in 1970 and 1982. He lives at the family home, Church Farm, West Littleton, Wiltshire, and is married to Rosie; they have two children, Charlie and Lily.

He read history of art at Bristol University and lists art and architecture as interests as well as following tennis and boxing.